It's Aries Season and Mercury Is in Retrograde—Here's What You Need to Know

In astrology, Mercury is the first planet in the solar system, governing thinking, communication, learning, information activities, and electronic and technological devices. Overall, Mercury brings vivacious, agile, and positive energy. However, when Mercury is entangled in retrograde, it also brings many challenges. The most obvious manifestation is that thinking may be somewhat less sensitive and it's difficult to receive new information. Communication also becomes prone to small mistakes or arguments that make it difficult to reach a final decision. Moreover, the problems we left open in the past will be rekindled to find answers, and old flames can also return looking for clarity.

L'OFFICIEL recently talked to Chani Nicholas about this year's Mercury retrograde. Nicholas is a Los Angeles–based astrologist who has more than 20 years of experience as a counseling astrologer. Her services have helped people understand their birth chart and its impact on the broader scope of their life. Nicholas details what happend suring Mercury Retrogrades, and why this time of the astrological calender is so nortorius. 

"Because Mercury rules over communications, learning, and thinking, these periods correspond to delays or glitches in such areas. That’s why Mercury retrograde has such a notorious reputation — it tends to coincide with transportation issues, lost mail, and malfunctioning devices," explains Nicholas. However, whatever the challenges Mercury Retrograde may bring forth, Nicholas says there's a purpose to the phenomenon. 

"Sometimes, an excuse to pause can be a blessing. Mercury retrogrades call us to revisit important issues, people, and opportunities, and pinpoint where we could use a system upgrade," says Nicholas. 

With a fast-moving speed, Mercury can retrograde three to four times a year, each time lasts about 20 days and is spaced three or four months apart. In 2024, the sign most affected by Mercury's retrograde will be Aries. 

On April 1, Mercury's retrograde began to unfold for those born under the Aries star sign. However, according to Nicholas, this isn't just exclusive to those who are under an Aries sun; this also includes people born under an Aries moon or ascendant (a.k.a. rising sign). 

"People born under the sign of the ram will bear the brunt of this one," says Nicholas. 

Until April 25th, the sign will essentially be more susceptible to misunderstandings, difficulties with mobile or tech devices, and the resurfacing of past problems and issues. 

Other signs that may experience key changes and pressures during this year's Mercury Retrograde include Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. According to Nicholas, this is because these signs will tend to form challenging relationships with Aries individuals, thus "exacerbating the messenger’s tricks during this transit."

Regardless of your sign, this time of year is challenging for all astrological placements. 

"Technology and travel can be on the fritz for everyone while Mercury is retrograde, so no one is 'immune.'" reminds Nicholas. "The best shield is a sense of humor—and maybe extra wiggle room in your schedule."

The theme of Mercury retrograde is about "looking back." It's a perfect time to carefully review any important information, papers, or messages to understand and find the best explanations. If there is any work or problem that still exists, this is also the time to complete it, leaving stagnation in the past. For relationships, it may be the time to consider where you're headed and make some big decisions.

With the people in your present, this can be a challenging time, so try to be alert and generous, harmonizing reason and emotions to avoid unnecessary friction. Starting to meditate or find spiritual comfort is also a good way to calm and clear your mind.

Once you understand it, Mercury retrograde doesn't have to be so scary, so take advantage of the energy to complete the stagnant things of the past and find the inner mind to understand more about the difficulties you face.